Peter Arnett: a Legacy of Courage in War Reporting

Peter Arnett, the acclaimed journalist whose fearlessness brought vivid accounts of war to the world from Vietnam to Iraq, has passed away at the age of 91. His death, announced by his son Andrew Arnett, occurred in Newport Beach, California, where he was surrounded by family after entering hospice due to prostate cancer.

Early Life and Career Beginnings

Born on November 13, 1934, in Riverton, New Zealand, Arnett’s journey into journalism began shortly after high school at the Southland Times. His career took him to Southeast Asia in the late 1950s, where he honed his reporting skills with various publications, eventually joining The Associated Press (AP) in 1962. His early experiences, including an expulsion from Indonesia for critical reporting, set the stage for a distinguished career characterized by risk-taking and a commitment to truth.

Groundbreaking Coverage of the Vietnam War

Arnett’s reporting from South Vietnam spanned from 1962 until the fall of Saigon in 1975. He became renowned for his eyewitness accounts, producing over two thousand dispatches that captured the human aspects of conflict. His exceptional work earned him the 1966 Pulitzer Prize for International Reporting, marking a significant milestone in his career. During these years, he absorbed invaluable lessons alongside other prominent journalists in the AP’s Saigon bureau, becoming a master of frontline reporting.

Iconic Moments and Transition to Television

Arnett’s prominence soared during the 1991 Gulf War when he made history as one of the few journalists to remain in Baghdad as the conflict erupted. His live reports from the city, filled with the sounds of air-raid sirens and explosions, captivated audiences and established CNN as a leader in live international news coverage. His calm demeanor amidst chaos became a hallmark of his reporting style, which won him an Emmy Award and solidified his reputation as a veteran war correspondent.

Controversies and Later Career

Arnett’s career was not without controversy. He resigned from CNN in 1999 following the retraction of a report he narrated but did not write, which alleged U.S. use of sarin gas in Laos. His criticisms of U.S. strategy during the Iraq War led to his dismissal from NBC and National Geographic in 2003, yet he continued to report for various international outlets and even took on teaching roles in journalism.

Legacy and Contributions

Beyond his extensive reporting, Arnett authored a memoir titled Live From the Battlefield: From Vietnam to Baghdad, offering insights into the realities of war journalism. His archival contributions, including preserved dispatches from the Vietnam War, serve as invaluable resources for historians and researchers studying the evolution of war reporting. His commitment to documenting history has left a lasting impact on journalism.

Final Years

Following his retirement in 2014, Arnett and his wife relocated to Southern California. He is survived by his wife, Nina Nguyen, and their children, Elsa and Andrew. His legacy as a courageous journalist will continue to inspire future generations of reporters.